Eusébio da Silva Ferreira was one of the most prolific goal scorers in football history. Born in Mozambique, the Portuguese phenomenon lit up the 1966 FIFA World Cup in England with nine goals in six matches, earning the Golden Boot and leading third-place Portugal to its highest ever finish. On the club side, Eusébio was called up to Benfica at the age of 18 and promptly led the Lisbon-based squad to back-to-back European (UCL) Cups in 1961 and '62 (still their only two European trophies).

Known for his blistering speed, athleticism and technical skills, Eusébio was also blessed with a devastating right-footed shot, all of which helped him accumulate 733 goals in 745 matches, the majority of which came during his long reign at Benfica (1961-75). The "Black Panther" (Pantera Negra) or "Black Pearl" (Pérola Negra), as he was often called, won the Ballon d'Or in 1965 and was runner-up in 1962 and '66. He was the first ever player to win a Euro Cup Golden Boot, World Cup Golden Boot and UCL Golden Boot, and he remains Portugal's all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, just ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo's eight goals (in 22 matches). In the pre-Champions League era of the European Cup, Eusébio is the second-highest scorer (47) behind Alfredo Di Stéfano. Both legends passed away in 2014, but Eusébio went a six months earlier prompting the 88-year-old Argentinian to admit, "For me Eusébio will always be the best player of all time."

Presented here is the first Eusébio match jersey we have ever handled, hailing from his football prime in the mid-1960's. The 1964-66 era Portugal home jersey was worn by the legendary striker most likely during international friendlies and World Cup qualifiers leading up to his dominant performance at the '66 World Cup. As a bonus, it also bears his rarely seen autograph.

The shirt is constructed of red heavyweight cotton with long sleeves and distinctive green ribbed cuffs and a green crew collar — the classic Portuguese National Team colors of the era. The left chest bears the embroidered Portuguese Football Federation crest alongside Eusébio's signature and dated "2002" inscription in black marker. The back features a large white "8" in the wide block style of the period. The jersey was produced by Portuguese apparel brand Marlec as indicated by the maker's label inside the collar (no size given). The shirt exhibits solid evidence of wear with heavy pilling to the fabric and stretching at the seams. The patch and rear numeral have aged appropriately and the red color remain vibrant.

Authentication & Provenance
Letters of Authenticity from MEARS for the jersey and PSA/DNA for the autograph.

The Football Scout Collection
Our consignor holds one of the most impressive vintage football jersey collections known to exist. Once a star amateur player, he later worked as a scout for multiple clubs and national teams, prospecting young football talent across the globe. Through his experience and unique connections, he procured almost every item directly from players or kitmen.